I am not sure what to buy: 2013 BMW 328i or 335i

Turbo vs. non-turbo. Most of us would and do prefer the extra boost, power and efficiency. There is always the Mini option.

How long will you keep it? Long go 335 less than 5 years go 328.

What? James, where is you reasoning?

turbos are notorious for shortened life compared to non.it is the turbo that fails not the engine. However smaller engines do sell better.

Not for the F30. If the vehicle is maintained, there is not a problem, especially under factory warranty. The biggest issue for a turbo is the bearing not getting oil and seizing, which the fine engineers in Munich have accounted for, I'm sure. Besides, turbos are everywhere now! What is your argument based on anyway?

Since you mention factory warranty you are not in the habit of driving and maintaining a vehicle for 200 or 300 thousand miles. Then you will see. I am not so sure I'd trust BMW engineers so much. Check complaints on automatic trany or oil leak issues. Currently driving a 335 with only 85,000 and have had to replace rear seal, pan gasket,valve cover gasket,power steering seal, torque converter. all with better than factory schedules and not especial rough driving. But that core block is sound and I expect over 200,000 before any engine issues. Ford diesels, Dodge diesels, Subaru and aftermarket turbos in my garage at times.

James -You have loads to learn. I have owned 5 Bimmers and perform ALL of my own maintenance. My '01 E39 Sportswagen requires a bit more upkeep than the rest, even with the 2.5 liter. Personally, I don't like buying new. I don't like to take the hit. BMW's maintenance schedule is not old school for sure. I change my synthetic oil every 7K miles without fail. My wife's Mini is NEW and on that schedule, even while under warranty. The downside to any thing German is the ABS components, especially where heat and humidity are concerned, like here in the Sunshine State. Weight savings is where the modern Roundel fall short. You just have to be aware of it.

Not sure what you expect me to learn. My turbos (6) have all required major service before major engine work. So thus my recommendation for it in a shorter expected ownership period. I should learn about BMW? Believe me when I say my maintenance is far better than factory recommended. Learn to trust their engineers? Maybe it is the accountants that cause the issues. Forums are full of similar issues. Oh my Honda Accord 4 cyl. (05) with 406,000 miles and NO MAJOR component failure at all! Just brakes tires and exhaust! My BMW is still a fun drive.

Manny, if you want all the options with a smaller price tag, you'd be better off with the 328i particularly since you say yourself that you don't need the extra oomph of the 335. Assess your personal needs and crunch the numbers with that in mind. Either way, you'll be getting a wonderful car! Best wishes.

I driven both off the line steet driving they are almost the same have 328i 2011 SULEV. Engine turns of cyl when i let of gsgas or start to brake or at a stop light. Great gas milage and super fast in sport and manuel mode. Love this car. Had a88 528ehas 200000+ miles! Let see how far this one goes

Thanks all. This was great. I was looking for reassurance and try not to leave benefits on the table by choosing 328 with a lot options and be so close to a 335i. But in conclusion, I will choose the 328i fully loaded and save net about $5,000. That's all the car I need.

Sounds like a smart move. The 335i is fast-fast-fast, but the 328i is still plenty quick for most folks -- and with it optioned up you won't give up much if any creature comforts compared to the 335i. Plus you'll save close to 25% in real world gas mileage. By the way, I heard some turbo vs. non-turbo chatter in this discussion, and you should be aware that starting this year the 328i is a turbo four, rather than a non-turbo 6 as it was last year. I have heard virtually no turbo issues from any modern German car owners; so while I wouldn't tell you to ignore the history that James had (6 turbos all with issues), it might be helpful to know -- 1) What type of issues? 2) How many miles? 3) What type of service history (ie. -- oil changes at 5k intervals, or at 15k?) The nature of turbochargers is such that they are unlikely to tolerate the ridiculously long oil change intervals that BMW recommends (because oil changes are included in the first 4 years of ownership). I would highly recommend that any car you plan to keep more than 80k miles, that you adhere to oil change intervals of 8k miles MAXIMUM (4-5k if you do mostly city driving) no matter WHAT the manufacturer says. That goes double for turbo cars, or for cars that don't use synthetic. Like James I'm a Honda as well as a BMW fan, and I do agree with James that Honda's are going to have far lower maintenance and repair costs than a BMW, but my BMW costs and reliability have been reasonable, and the "fun factor" has been well worth it!

335. more power, nd just as economical as a 328. both cars maintainance is about the same but as long as you got the 5year motorplan. after that rather trade it in, so i say they are about the same, i'd opt for the more power option

Imraam -- have you checked mileage estimates on 335i vs. 328i? Big difference -- and real world difference is likely greater than EPA estimates. Both cars have plenty of power (plenty-plenty! in the 335i); but most people would care quite a bit about 25% difference in real world gas mileage. That's like the difference between spending $2,000/year on gas vs. $2,500. And as the price goes up, or the number of miles per year that you drive, the differential goes up too!

Imraam -- have you checked mileage estimates on 335i vs. 328i? Big difference -- and real world difference is likely greater than EPA estimates. Both cars have plenty of power (plenty-plenty! in the 335i); but most people would care quite a bit about 25% difference in real world gas mileage. That's like the difference between spending $2,000/year on gas vs. $2,500. And as the price goes up, or the number of miles per year that you drive, the differential goes up too!

I'm liking that every one is talking about turbo vs non turbo when the question is will he either want the 2013 328i ( twin scroll turbo 4 cylinder N20) or the 335i ( 6 cylinder twin scroll turbo N55), both engines have turbos. BMW as part of there efficent dynamics no longer make a non turbo engine. As Bill mentioned above always maintain your vehicle properly with oil changes and proper coolant levels and turbos will most likely not be an issue (unless you have a n54). See most of BMW's engine have a coolant pump for the turbos and liquid cooled intercoolers thats runs after the engine is shut off preventing heat soaking the enemy of turbo vehicles. Heat soak causes the engine oil in the turbo feed and return lines to burn and clog the lines thus starving the turbos bearings and seals. People that are into major tuning and horse power what do all there turbo cars have on them, a turbo timer. Jmnbmw I am glad you decided to go with the 328i one of the most powerful 4 cylinders on the market and great fuel economy. The new MSA feature on that vehicle and eco pro mode is very good.

335 turbo its better

I have a 2011 335 xdrive. It is awesome and I love it. It was in the shop for a few days and I was loaned a 2013 328 xdrive. At first I was a little unenthusiastic about it but the more I drove it the more I LOVED it. Awesome 8 speed tranny that is the best tranny I have ever experienced and the car was super quick. Didn't have the low end torque nor the almost raceing acceleration that the 335 has but once it gets rolling it is a true BMW. The big thing about this car compared to the 335 is that I could actually work it out in my normal driving environment. The 335 is simply to powerful in many situations i experience. I am always feathering the throttle, holding back because I will drive right off the road if I'm not careful, not to mention the presence of Mr J. Q. law and his modern fancy radar. I love my 335 but it was my experience that the fun that the 328 offered was simple more accessible in most situations than the 335. The 328 and the awesome tranny coupled with the mean little 240 hp 4 banger turbo is a real winner.

Beware of the 328 xdrive. I own a 2013 with 2,500 miles. The transmission lugs in the 1300-1700 rpm range in the "Comfort" mode. This becomes a problem going uphill in certain speed ranges and in situations requiring acceleration from low speeds such as while entering a freeway. Car does nothing for a few seconds and then lurches forward. Dealer upgraded software but problem persists. I don't think all c 328s have this issue, just beware.

I own 2011 335i xdrive. I loaned 2013 328i xdrive recently, 328i is a nice car but I didn't feel it like it was BMW. 328i has enough power but ride was like a Lexus.

I've owned 9 BMWs and every series. 3,5,7,x5. I now own a 328i and it is by far my favorite. I like the option of Eco pro, comfort, and sport. Gas mileage is great and service departments go way beyond other manufacturers. Go with the 328i and if you can get the " heads up" option, do it. It's fun, helpful with navigation and allows you to never have to take your eyes off the road. And did I say turbo is very fast and agile.

I will be honest, very disappointed with BMW cars from the 3 series to the 7 series. I love them so much, but after the warranty is over they are junk cars they need to be maintained at a very high cost. If it was just regular issues, like brakes and oil changes I understand, but turbo issues engine issues and transmission issues and gasket issues too many issues. I trade all my bmw’s 4 months before the warranty is over and under 40,000 miles or my bank will get drained. The extended warranty for $1800 that will extend the car for another 8 years or over 100,000 miles suck, it is not worth it, BMW will tell you “this is not covered and this is not covered”. My BMW had everything under the sun for $80,0000 dollar. I really loved my BMW and people would give me compliments about the car, but when the factory warranty was over in 4 years, the extended warranty didn't cover much and it was going to cost me $5000 to fix the car not after I paid $80000 for the car and another $1800 for the extended warranty. I wanted to trade the car for another BMW but they would not give me the money for it and wanted to downgrade me to a lower BMW with less bells and whistles. I ended up trading the car in for an INFINITY Q50 not too happy, but they gave me way more than BMW would have given me. Still want another BMW but will not own one for the long run they are not cars to keep they are beautiful cars, but only if you have a cash flow to keep them running I am very disappointed for the “Ultimate Driving Machine”. My VW 1985 with 350,000 miles that only cost me $3500 was a maintenance free car, I really dog that car and it will not complain like all of the BMW’S. I owed in total, 4 BMW’S ranging from $50,000 to $80,000 a grand total in all 4 bmw’s $260,000 not the “Ultimate Driving machine any more”.

Seems like y like taking the car to the dealership for repairs besides who buys a new BMW depreciation will make them much cheaper down the road plus it’s easy to find a garage queen. More so than other cars. That 260k could have been 150k.